Lawmaker won't seek new term

Jan. 24, 2012

OSHKOSH — A Fox Valley lawmaker has decided not to seek a third term in the state Assembly, citing his lack of desire to serve in a system he said values political points more than the constituents.

"They're more obsessed with politics than the real reason we're elected: To serve the people," state Rep. Dick Spanbauer, R-Town of Algoma, said Tuesday. "Today, compromise has gone out the window and I'm coming to that point where I don't have the patience for it anymore."

Spanbauer, 65, first elected to the 53rd Assembly District seat in 2008, was facing a Republican challenge from Mike Schraa, owner of Leon's Frozen Custard in Oshkosh.